For HLN, it is another fork in the road as the channel has struggled to break apart from its bigger sibling and develop its own identity.

HLN is currently best known for its courtroom programming like “Nancy Grace,” but also features entertainment news programming like “Showbiz Tonight.” During the day (and when there isn’t a big trial), HLN’s programs seem geared to stay-at home moms, with a heavy emphasis on family-centric news programming. During the weekend it features long-form crime and mystery programming.

While CNN’s brand as “the place for breaking news” is a secure one, HLN’s brand seems rudderless and up in the air. A hodgepodge collection of different genres and formats does not make flow easy for schedulers, although the programs do skew toward female viewers. Whoever replaces Safon at HLN next will have a steep challenge ahead of them. Do they go all-in on Court TV 2.0? Do they try to make HLN the news and information channel for women? Or does HLN become something else entirely?

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